Conroe TX, September 21, 2015: The “Spring Break Fly-in” is back, with a new focus: Millennials, the future of aviation, to make Flying cool again. MODAERO is the result of the realization that the next generation of aviators are not looking for their fathers’ fly-in. They’re connected through technology; they are unconstrained by geography; they are highly mobile and social. They enjoy traditional aviation venues, but they want a fly-in to call their own. Modern. Cool. Theirs.
And so MODAERO was born. The first MODAERO Fly-In & Conference is specifically scheduled to coincide with collegiate Spring Break, and will be held at Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO) March 16-19, 2016.
“The time has come for the aviation industry to address the decline of the GA population by empowering the growth demographic of the industry. Millennials, ages 16-39, represent more than 40% of all certificated pilots and 78% of Student Pilots,” according to MODAERO Founder Brian Columbus, Publisher of the Atlantic Flyer News.
“This demographic, despite being the most thriving in the industry, is lacking a real-world venue to celebrate their own version of aviation culture and community,” said Columbus. “We have seen an explosion in GA’s online and social media spheres, but there has been no purpose-built events targeting this growth demographic. We believe this level of community participation is the key to growing the aviation population again.”
One person keenly aware of the digital community in aviation is ShareAviation founder and MODAERO co-organizer Jason Stewart. “The future of ‘GenAv’ depends upon active engagement with the Millennial Generation by all the key players in our industry,” said Stewart. “We know that the events at MODAERO will provide tremendous opportunity to those players who wish to connect with the future of aviation and an avenue to start speaking to them on their terms.” This approach is being adopted by industry leaders including the world’s largest pilot organization, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. AOPA partnered with ShareAviation, the world’s largest online aviation community, this past February in an effort to reach a more diverse aviation demographic.
The programming focus at MODAERO will include aviation education, technology, careers and culture. Events to be held on site include a National Aviation Career Fair, Aviation "Innovation Showcase," Aero Products Expo, MODAERO Scholarship awards, static aircraft displays, live outdoor entertainment, eclectic dining events and more.
Organizers have established NextGen Aero Incorporated as the non-profit entity to host the MODAERO event. The newly-expanded Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport and adjacent Lone Star Conference Center serve as the event locations. Operating under a multi-year commitment, NextGen Aero will produce the event at the Montgomery County venues which feature a 56,000 square foot Conference Center for educational programs, 32 acres of festival space for static aircraft/exhibition space, a 30 acre campground with space for 500 tents, parking for more than 1,500 cars and aircraft parking sufficient to host the expected 500 fly-in aircraft.
vent attendance space is limited and MODAERO’s organizers are offering pre-registration priority for those who sign-up at their website www.modaero.net. Exhibitor Registration opens October 1, 2015 and Attendee Registration opens November 1, 2015. For additional information, contact Brian Columbus [email protected] 888-473-5937 Web: www.modaero.net
